Yes, we know Hallowe'en has yet to fully kick in, and Covid has pretty much buggered whatever plans you had for this holiday season, but we're back nonetheless. The present buying has started in abundance, and despite getting Christmas press releases since June, we've finally caved and gathered together a mixed bag of awesome gifts. This will be one of many of these guides in the run up to the big day, so keep 'em peeled for more. So, without further ado..... IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!
Ink&Drop Art Prints
Always suckers for some bold and brazen wall art, we were sucked in by the wealth on offer at Ink&Drop. The online collection features a mix of wall art, from abstract images and 'bit of colour here' prints, to attention-grabbing statement pieces blending history with pop culture.
All available in different sizes, we opted for the huge 100x70cm print called Oderint Dum Metuant; a renaissance painting daubed in neon pink lettering of the Latin phrase (which means, 'hate me, but fear me'). Apparently.
Ink&Drop make a great portal for interesting and memorable gifts for those special friends looking for something unique to stick up in their home. We were impressed by the speedy delivery, the quality of the print (even at this size), and the thickness and ruggedness of the paper. Check them out, there's bound to be something that catches your eye.
£40 (our print), but prices start from £13
Visit inkanddrop.com
Brockmans Gin Gift Set
Give the gift of booze, this Christmas. After all, following the year we've all had, we think we've earnt it. Brockmans Gin is a decent port of call in these troubled times, offering not only quality, premium gin, but also stuffing purchases of their bottles with free gifts.
Brockmans were kind enough to send us one of their 70cl bottles (hiccup!) which came along with a complimentary Copa glass. It's a great gift set that will neither break the bank, nor leave your festive recipient disappointed. Brockmans also bunged in a Bar Blade to our own set, showing off the selection of smaller, less alcoholic gifts available in their online store.
As gin is a great base for making Christmassy cocktails, there's a lot to say about this as a potential gift. Check out all they have on offer, but gift responsibly, okay. Wow, look at us, being good and stuff.
£34
Visit brockmansgin.com
Zippo 6-Hour Rechargeable Hand Warmer
If you're in the Northern Hemisphere, you might have noticed that it tends to get a tad chilly around Christmas time. To that end, those of us who spend a lot of their day outside have probably felt the tingling effects of 'COLD HANDS'. This terrible affliction strikes the best of us, but it can be conquered. With this.
The Zippo 6-Hour Rechargeable Hand Warmer is a fully electric version of their famous 'slow-burn' chemical hand warmers. This is essentially a mobile device power pack, sporting a 5200 mAh lithium battery. As well as warming your mitts, with touch-temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius, it will also juice up your phone thanks to the USB port. Nice.
You'll probably already be carrying a mobile power bank with you this Christmas, so not swap it for one that also makes your hands all nice and toasty? We will be.
£39.99
Visit zippo.com
Ohelo 'The Steel Bee' Bottle
We covered Ohelo last year, when we received one of their awesome insulated coffee tumblers. We feature them once again after testing another of their new products, The Steel Bee water bottle. This 500ml vacuum sealed, stainless steel bottle comes adorned with laser-etched hexagons to give it a high-end, quality look and feel.
Screw top, with carry handle, the bottle is perfect for both treks out into the wild, or for taking with you to the office to keep hydrated while photocopying your arse during the Christmas party. Whatever you choose to do with it, it is rugged, lightweight, bacteria-resistant, and can keep cold things cold, and hot things hot, for up to 12 hours.
Check out this, and Ohelo's range of bottles and tumblers, and you'll be sure to find the right gift for the right person.
£30
Visit ohelobottle.com
Quinn the Fox Prints
Another gift for those looking to home décor, homewares brand Quinn the Fox kindly sent us one of their unique prints. Although the site features an array of lovely gifts and items, we opted for a print, and disappointed we were not.
The 'How to see with new eyes' graphic reimages the human eye as a mechanical device, complete with stars (in your eyes) and an apple (of your eye). We were sent the A3 size, and were happy to see that it came on tough 100% cotton paper.
Check out everything else they have up for grabs, as Quinn the Fox are definitely a brand to watch.
£25
Visit quinnthefox.com